That's an excellent article you've posted today Martin - not a review of the 2009 Wisden - which is what I was expecting - but a potted history of the almanack. Great stuff. How often do you read them though, and do you think it's possible to read a copy right through? I have 1961 and 1970 by my bedside, for reasons which now escape me.

I read the post WW2 ones quite a lot especially the 50's 60's and 70's - the older ones I am ashamed to say I usually leave on the shelf 'cos the damn things are so fragile

I've only once read a copy right through and that was the 1864 (a facsimile I hasten to add) in order to write that article - it didn't take long!

I can't imagine reading a later one - though Walter Robins, by all accounts, habitually read them from start to finish

The Story of Cricket's Early Years (1st ed. SIGNED AND DATED) - John Major

Anyone reviewed it?

The Bradman Era- Bill O'Reilly and Jack Egan I enjoyed this, although it is just text from the video of the same name
The Hand That Bowled Bradman: Memories of a Professional Cricketer- Bill Andrews One that I have coming from England but still waiting for it to arrive
The Golden Age of Cricket 1890-1914- Frith, David Get this, great book
Sort of a Cricket Person- Swanton, Ernest William OK, 3 stars I should think
Cricket Crossfire- Miller, Keith Not the greatest writer, very basic, but I enjoyed it
Cricket Indulgence: An Anthology Of The Cricket Writings Of Chris Harte- Harding, D M I have not read this one, but Chris Harte is a good writer
Behind the Shades- Fletcher, Duncan I have not read that ,but we have a review on the site
Just My Story- Hutton,Len 3 stars i should think
The Greatest Test Teams- Graveney, Tom I read this many years ago, and really enjoyed it, nothing great though
From Larwood to Lillee- Bailey, Trevor; Trueman, Fred I have not read this one

Oh and if Im going to spend a few dollars more

The Story of Cricket's Early Years (1st ed. SIGNED AND DATED) - John Major we have a review on the site

That's an excellent article you've posted today Martin - not a review of the 2009 Wisden - which is what I was expecting - but a potted history of the almanack. Great stuff. How often do you read them though, and do you think it's possible to read a copy right through? I have 1961 and 1970 by my bedside, for reasons which now escape me.

Originally Posted by fredfertang

I read the post WW2 ones quite a lot especially the 50's 60's and 70's - the older ones I am ashamed to say I usually leave on the shelf 'cos the damn things are so fragile

I've only once read a copy right through and that was the 1864 (a facsimile I hasten to add) in order to write that article - it didn't take long!

I can't imagine reading a later one - though Walter Robins, by all accounts, habitually read them from start to finish

I find it impossible to read through them. There was a time, in my younger days when I would take up a book and not get out of bed/chair/toilet whatever till I had finished it cover to cover. Somehow, being for over two decades in corporate management and reading a page at a time and at best reading sharp crisp executive reports, one loses the knack. Not being a collector like Martin here, therefore, I have not gone around collecting Wisden's. I do have a complete set of the Wisden anthologies though which are easier to read though, i daresay, I haven't read even half of each

Hey Martin. I recall you saying there are 28 Thomson books in all. Mind putting up a list. Please

Did I say 28!!! - If I did I must have been under the influence of something - unless I had read somewhere he wrote 28 in all as he didn't just write about cricket - anyway I think it's more like half that - when i get home I'll get a list out of Padwick and post it

Did I say 28!!! - If I did I must have been under the influence of something - unless I had read somewhere he wrote 28 in all as he didn't just write about cricket - anyway I think it's more like half that - when i get home I'll get a list out of Padwick and post it

I find it impossible to read through them. There was a time, in my younger days when I would take up a book and not get out of bed/chair/toilet whatever till I had finished it cover to cover. Somehow, being for over two decades in corporate management and reading a page at a time and at best reading sharp crisp executive reports, one loses the knack. Not being a collector like Martin here, therefore, I have not gone around collecting Wisden's. I do have a complete set of the Wisden anthologies though which are easier to read though, i daresay, I haven't read even half of each

This is what I always read in a Wisden, I imagine most would do something similar.

Notes by the Editor, and all the features; the Five Cricketers of the Year.

County reports

Tour and Test reports

Surrey and Kent match reports (home games, I don't tend to seek out the away fixtures)

Obituaries

Books

Cricket in the news, or whatever it's called

I can't remember the last time I read the Laws; and it would take a long time to read all the county and ODI reports. I do tend to check the Index of Unusual Occurrences though, and go to the matches mentioned.

However, if you are looking for a book with lots of glossy pictures and some history then there is the beautifully printed book by Stephen Green, Lord's : The Cathedral of Cricket. A stunningly good looking aqcuisition.